In a bid to promote healthier lifestyles and delve into the historical charm of Swindon’s Railway Village, a fresh and enticing walking trail map and guide have been unveiled.
Crafted by Wiltshire and Swindon Sport in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council, this initiative, funded by the GWR Customer and Community Improvement Fund, presents a delightful mile-long journey.
This newly mapped trail meanders through Swindon’s heritage sights and historical treasures nestled between the railway station and the GWR Park. Inviting both locals and visitors to explore the town’s unique railway legacy, the map showcases key points of interest along the way.
Three Swindon GP practices have taken a proactive role in this initiative, with patients being invited to embark on the trail – to foster a culture of exercise through walking, leveraging the myriad health benefits associated with this simple yet effective activity.
The guided walk, designed to be easy-to-follow and accessible, offers participants a chance to absorb the rich railway heritage that Swindon proudly boasts.
Starting November, the printed map will be available at local libraries and select GP practices. Additionally, a digital version can be downloaded from the Swindon Travel Choices website at https://www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk/walking-routes/.
Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “We were only too happy to support this project as it promotes active travel and has a particular emphasis on encouraging people to exercise and improve their health,” he remarked.
“We are lucky to have such a unique railway heritage in Swindon and this trail provides a good opportunity for local people to explore it on an accessible mile-long route that the whole family can enjoy.”
Dominique Oughton, from Wiltshire and Swindon Sport, said: “This has been an exciting and new innovative project working with GWR and Swindon Borough Council. We really hope that Swindon residents can enjoy and learn about the heritage trail whilst walking outdoors, helping to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said: “The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in projects that really make a difference to our customers and communities at a local level.
“We’re delighted to support this initiative, which will enable Wiltshire and Swindon Sport CIC (WASP) to work with its partners, helping to stimulate people into physical activity through the use of a heritage walking trail in Swindon. The guided walk option will also allow people to join others for an easy-to-use, accessible walk taking in Swindon’s railway heritage.”
